Discover Korneti: Lakes, Trails and History

Korneti combines a distinctive lake landscape with short and longer trails, archaeological traces and insights into the history of Veclaicene. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house can tailor their stay to their own interests, with nature, hiking, water and regional culture taking centre stage.

Lakes and protected nature

The Korneti–Peļļi Nature Reserve encompasses an east-to-west chain of 11 lakes in subglacial depressions. Its protected features include slope forests, boreal forests and Littorella uniflorae vegetation. The area has Natura 2000 status and is included in the protected landscape area of Veclaicene.

The Korneti–Peļļi valley offers another perspective on the landscape. Its 26-kilometre-long main trough contains a chain of 16 lakes in its deepest depressions. The valley is best experienced in the immediate vicinity of Korneti.

Hiking trails for different day plans

Several trails make it possible to explore the area along routes of varying lengths. The orange-marked Drusku Castle Mound Trail is 3.5 kilometres long and begins at the Veclaicene administration building in Korneti. The Health Trail covers 2.5 kilometres and includes 10 exercises. The Ilgāja–Naudas akmens Trail is 4.5 kilometres long and leads past the only island in Lake Ilgāja in Veclaicene as well as the historic Naudas akmens.

For a tour along the lakes, the Lake Raipala Trail is a good choice. It follows the shores of Lake Ievas, Lake Raipala and Lake Trumulītis. Along the way, there is an opportunity to turn off to the Mišu Medus muzejs. The Peļļi Trail can be combined with swimming in Lakes Ilgāja and Smilšāja. When planning, you can therefore choose between a route passing several lake shores, a shorter route with exercises or a hike combined with an additional water activity.

The picturesque surroundings of the Korneti Sightseeing Tower feature four nature trails. The tower itself is 27 metres high. Visitors to the Drusku Castle Mound Nature Trail can see the Alūksne and Haanja highlands in Estonia, as well as Munamägi. Drusku Castle Mound is also a national archaeological monument on the northern shore of Lake Pilskalna and rises approximately 90 metres above the lake’s water level.

History, stones and regional insights

There are also notable destinations away from the trails. The Māras pēdas akmens stone has several depressions, two of which resemble footprints. Dieva kalns rises approximately 60 metres opposite Lake Klotiņa. Five decorative corner pillars remain from the old Korneti castle complex.

The Mišu Medus muzejs collects and restores historic beekeeping equipment and photographs. At the educational apiary, visitors can get to know bees up close. The Veclaicene History Depositary presents the nature, people, history, ethnography and education of Veclaicene. A particular focus is placed on the historic border between Latvia and Estonia, as well as the way of life and language associated with it.

Which location suits your trip?

If you mainly want to experience the Korneti–Peļļi valley, the lakes and the nature trails, you can start looking for holiday accommodation in Korneti or the surrounding area. For a trip with varied interests, hikes, water activities and cultural destinations can be combined, so that not every day has to look the same. Route lengths such as 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 kilometres make it easier to adapt your daily plans to the desired trail length. The sights around Veclaicene complement the nature experience with archaeological, historical and ethnographic themes.

For further ideas when searching for suitable destinations, you can also discover Kolberģis, see Jaunlaicene, explore Alūksne, get to know Jaunanna and choose Visikums.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alūksnes Novads.